Houston Slapped With 3-Year Probation

The University of Houston, about to complete its most successful football season since 1979, today was placed on three years’ probation and barred from bowl appearances for two years.

The NCAA, after investigating more than 250 alleged violations in recruiting, also barred the school from television appearances for one year and cut its scholarships by 10, allowing only 15 to be given to incoming players next season.

Under the penalty, the school will not be allowed to play in post-season bowls in 1989 and 1990. The probation is effective for 1989, 1990 and 1991. The scholarship limit and TV ban are for only 1989.

School president Richard Van Horn said the school would not appeal the sanctions.

“The University of Houston, its administration and its athletic department are committed to compliance with NCAA and Southwest Conference regulations,” Van Horn said. “I think I can say, on behalf of the faculty, administration, students, alumni, the regents and friends of the University of Houston, that we much regret the many violations that occurred in the athletic program and we are determined to make sure that violations of this kind never re-occur.”

He said the Cougars moved to correct matters on their own by hiring Jack Pardee as coach and Rudy Davalos as athletic director.

“The current athletic department staff had no involvement in any of the violations reported by the NCAA infractions committee,” Van Horn said. “One of my regrets is that Coach Pardee and the current players have to bear the punishment of these infractions even though they played no part in them.”

The NCAA also advised the university to ban former head football Coach Bill Yeoman from duties associated with the school’s athletic program for at least a year.

The violations occurred between 1978 and 1984 during the tenure of Yeoman, who resigned under fire in 1986. It was the third time the school had received sanctions as a result of Yeoman’s 25-year coaching regime.

Van Horn said he would meet soon with Yeoman to discuss reassignment of his duties.

“Until that takes place, I don’t know how I could comment on his status,” Van Horn said.

Pardee, who has been rumored to be leaving the school for other jobs, said he is staying with the Cougars and is pleased that the sanctions finally were dispensed.

“The last two years have been the worst, dealing with rumors and innuendo,” Pardee said. “It’s much better dealing with reality.”